WIOA State Plan Common Elements

Several State policies have been issued or updated to ensure successful implementation of WIOA, and others will be developed to support the strategies identified in this Plan. A sampling of such policies is listed below. Current DWD policies and guidance referenced below can be accessed via DWD’s active policy webpage at https://www.in.gov/dwd/compliance-policy/policy/active/.  

• Co-enrollment: Based upon an individual’s eligibility criteria and services for which they qualify, WorkOne offices offer Hoosiers a package of potential programs and services. Frontline staff work with the individual’s aspirations to determine which programs meet the individual’s needs, which may include more than one or two programs. Co-enrollment can range from being a reportable individual in a specific program up to and including full activation as a participant in the program. DWD has developed policy regarding Indiana’s co-enrollment and common exit strategies. While co-enrollment is not mandated for most programs, it is highly encouraged. See DWD Policy 2021-08. 

• Partner Shared Costs: DWD issued guidance and technical assistance in the development of partnership and Memoranda of Understanding (MOUs) and infrastructure funding agreements (IFAs) between local workforce development areas (LWDAs) and partners of the one-stop delivery system. This guidance promotes a locally driven, locally negotiated process for partnering and sharing costs within each LWDA. MOUs must be completed at least every three years and budgets for IFAs must be completed on or before July 1st of each program year unless an extension is granted for additional time to reach agreement. See DWD Policy 2018-04, Change 1. 

• WIOA Adult Priority of Service: DWD’s WIOA Adult Priority of Service guidance emphasizes that, if a participant is a public assistance recipient, a low-income individual, or a basic skills deficient individual, then the participant must be categorized under the applicable priority population in addition to any locally established priority groups. This guidance also provides information on U.S. Department of Labor priority of service benchmarks and includes a form through which local areas may submit requests to create locally established priority groups. LWDAs must have written policies that delineate how they will give priority of service and must adhere to these policies. DWD will review data and local policies to ensure priority is being carried out appropriately and will provide technical assistance as needed. See Policy 2019-04, Change 2. 

• Apprenticeships and Work-Based Learning Experiences: Expanding access to apprenticeships and work-based learning experiences is a key focus for Indiana. DWD developed guidance to assist with the implementation of any federal apprenticeship grants the State may receive. DWD Policy 2022-09, Change 1, provides local workforce development boards and other stakeholders with an overview of grant requirements and basic grantee responsibilities for U.S. Department of Labor apprenticeship grants. The policy is designed to provide high-level, general information that applies to all U.S. Department of Labor Apprenticeship grants (key definitions, eligibility, co-enrollment, grant performance management, etc.). This policy was issued with technical assistance discussing how apprenticeship data is recorded in Indiana’s case management system (DWD TA 2022-10, Change 1). Additionally, DWD often develops technical assistance specific to each grant that Indiana may receive. For example, DWD issued technical assistance regarding the Apprenticeship Building America Grant (DWD TA 2022-17).  

• Training Programs: Related to Indiana’s goal to prepare future skilled workers and connect them with employers, DWD policy outlines the criteria to qualify for Indiana’s Eligible Training Provider List (ETPL) as well as INTraining. See DWD Policy 2020-16, Change 1, and DWD TA 2020-17, Change 1. Training programs on Indiana’s Eligible Training Provider List may be funded through Individual Training Accounts, which are described in DWD Policy 2017-09, Change 1. This policy creates a uniform process for issuing individual training accounts (ITAs), identifies the parameters for development of a local area ITA policy, and standardizes the delivery of ITAs in order to allow local areas to consistently provide training opportunities to participants leading to employment for an in-demand occupation. On-the-job training also offers opportunities for Hoosiers to upskill for in-demand jobs. DWD Policy 2022-02, Change 1, provides guidance on the implementation and operation of regional on-the-job training programs funded by the WIOA Title I Adult and Dislocated Worker programs. 

• Growing Good Jobs: Indiana understands the need to connect Hoosiers to high-wage jobs that lead to upward economic mobility. DWD has considered the provisions in TEGL 07-22 and anticipates further discussion and strategy development to emphasize the importance of job quality and how Indiana’s workforce system can integrate good job strategies into its employer partnerships and workforce training. Many DWD programs already reflect the importance of connecting individuals with good jobs. For example, the Employer Training Grant requires funded training to result in a minimum 3% wage gain for any participant in the program, and all training must focus on job skills tied to an in-demand occupation. By enhancing strategy and developing tools and guidance on good jobs, Indiana can provide a framework for our workforce system to prepare skilled workers and connect them with employers seeking talent. 

• Customer Experience: To improve the quality of training and career coaching, it is vital for our workforce system to be responsive to customer feedback. DWD Policy 2023-04 outlines guidance regarding the use of the automated check-in system, VOSGreeter®, in WorkOne offices. Statewide implementation of this tool allows Indiana to collect data on what motivates Hoosiers to visit a WorkOne. DWD also anticipates developing guidance to ensure uniform administration of the Customer Satisfaction Survey to support 34 CFR 463.800(a)(2). Both VOSGreeter® and the Customer Satisfaction Survey collect important data that can help Indiana provide high-quality, transparent service that meets Hoosiers’ needs.  

• Equal Opportunity: In accordance with 29 CFR Part 38 and Indiana’s strategic initiatives to ensure high-quality service for protected populations, DWD Policy 2016-09 provides initial guidance regarding the observance and enforcement of the nondiscrimination and equal opportunity provisions of Workforce Innovation and Opportunity Act, specifically WIOA Section 188 and its implementing regulations at 29 CFR 38. In addition to DWD Policy 2016-09, DWD has issued DWD TA 2021-07, which describes the complaint procedures for Equal Opportunity and nondiscrimination violations. Equal Opportunity provisions are also embedded in other program guidance such as DWD Policy 2020-09, Change 1, which covers the one-stop certification process and requires that center certifications include reviews of programmatic and physical accessibility. DWD anticipates the development of language accessibility guidance to further enhance tools and resources available for partners and programs. 

• Supportive Services: Ensuring access to supportive services is a crucial step in mitigating the barriers that prevent Hoosiers from participating in training programs or finding employment. From assistance with child and dependent care to assistance with transportation, supportive services give participants the tools to overcome obstacles and achieve upward mobility. In alignment with 20 CFR 680.900, DWD Policy 2021-02 includes guidance and context regarding supportive services for WIOA Title I Adult and Dislocated Workers including individuals participating through Dislocated Worker Grants.  

• Migrant and Seasonal Farmworkers (MSFWs): In support of Indiana’s strategy to ensure service to protected populations, DWD Policy 2022-19, Change 1, provides guidance to Indiana’s workforce system regarding the mandated requirements for the Monitor Advocate System and the provision of services to MSFWs. DWD has also issued a desk guide to assist WorkOne offices as they serve MSFWs, which is available through 2022-19, Change 1, Attachment B.  

• Priority of Service for Veterans and Eligible Spouses: To ensure Veterans and Eligible spouses receive service in alignment with federal regulations, Title 38 U.S.C., VPL 07-09, and TEGL 10-09, DWD Policy 2015-08 addresses Priority of Service for Veterans and Eligible Spouses under WIOA. With respect to any qualified job training program, a covered person (Veterans and Eligible Spouses) shall be given priority over a non-covered person for the receipt of employment, training, and placement services provided under that program, notwithstanding any other provisions of the law. This policy supports Indiana’s strategy to mitigate barriers for protected populations and provide high-quality service. 

• Center Certifications: Title I of WIOA requires the State Workforce Development Board, in consultation with Chief Elected Officials and local boards, to establish objective criteria and procedures for the local boards to evaluate and certify the comprehensive and affiliate one-stop centers located within their Local Workforce Development Areas. DWD Policy 2020-09, Change 1 describes Indiana’s criteria for center certification and the process for identifying whether one-stop centers are eligible for certification. This policy also includes the review form that certification teams use when evaluating one-stop centers.